JEFFERSON CITY — Revising Missouri’s Criminal Code will be a priority when lawmakers return to the Capitol next January. Legislators, including members of the Interim Committee on the Missouri Criminal Code, Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, Senate Minority Floor Leader Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, and Rep. Stanley Cox, R-Sedalia, will continue to work on the Missouri Criminal Code over the interim. The revision of more than 700 sections of Missouri law will update statutes, provide consistent, clear definitions, and ensure consistent punishments.

“This revision is a monumental — and necessary — task,” said Sen. Dixon. “A clear, concise and understandable criminal code contributes to a strong, effective criminal justice system that protects liberty and promotes a free society. I thank the leadership and members of the Missouri Bar for serving at the forefront on this important issue. I also thank Sen. Justus and Rep. Cox for their steady leadership as bill sponsors, and look forward to working with them as we interact with and educate the public on the Criminal Code.”

The Missouri Criminal Code was enacted in 1979, after a 10-year process initiated by then-Missouri Attorney General John C. Danforth. Over the past 30 years, the General Assembly has continued to amend, add or delete statutes relating to crime and punishment. 

“Missouri needs to update and reorganize its criminal code to make sure we have an effective criminal justice system where errors are reduced, saving taxpayers money,” said Missouri Bar President Pat Starke. “We have come far in reaching that goal this year thanks to the leadership and work of the bills’ sponsors, Rep. Cox and Sen. Justus, and Senate Judiciary Chair Bob Dixon. Together, with the experienced prosecutors and defense attorneys, representatives from the judiciary and others who represent the criminal justice system, we look forward to seeing this comprehensive proposal enacted in the 2014 legislative session.” 

The revision bills, SB 253 and HB 210, were based on four years of work done by the Missouri Bar Criminal Code Revision Subcommittee, which included judges, prosecutors, public defenders, lawmakers and members of the general public.

To learn more about SB 253 and HB 210, visit www.senate.mo.gov. To submit comments on the Criminal Code revision, visit the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage.